Yesterday was another day off the water spent on home projects at Jen’s house. While I finished up some electrical repairs Jen’s dad and cousin Patrick finished framing up a new deck and brought in the new decking.

Today wasn't all work, it started out with an early morning visit to La Jolla Shores with 16 year old local paddler named Otto Herrmann. Otto is an excellent paddler interested in Greenland style paddling, in little over one year in a boat, has mastered several Greenland style rolls and is now broadening his interests to other facets of kayaking. He called the other day to see if I’d have some time to get on the water with him while I was in town. It didn’t take a lot of arm twisting to get me motivated for a quick morning paddle up in La Jolla with a run up to Black‘s Beach to do a bit of sea kayak surfing. Of course what is a visit to La Jolla without a stop at the cliffs to see the caves and wildlife first.

Otto paddles past a sleeping bull sea lion

The surf was small which can be excellent for surfing long boats but also allowed us easy access to the sea caves that the area is famous for. Of course we were entertained by the huge variety of sea live that can be found in the cove including Sea Lions, Garibaldi, and dolphins.

Enough with the fuzzy creatures. Otto heads out to the surf spot.

Check out this video of the day's adventures

Famous view looking out from the caves

We had a great time visiting the caves and doing a bit of surfing but all good things must end so we called it a day after a couple hours so I could get back to Aqua Adventures and work on more symposium preparations.

OK, now I want to see pictures of all the finished projects at Jen's house. It also looks like you had a beautiful paddle with Otto yesterday.

Mom

Reply

Larry

3/22/2010 05:58:33 am

Jake, one of the cool things about this blog is that it isn't all about you. Of course, for this post I am a bit prejudiced, but it has really been enjoyable reading about those that you have encountered along the way. This is going to make a great book someday.

Thanks for sharing . I just love the videos that way I can hear your smiling voice ! You're the best !!xo, Jenny

Reply

pa

3/23/2010 10:57:08 am

Jenny maybe Jake's the best but remember who is the greatest. Jake the weather is still beautiful in Wis. Enjoyed the pictures and your blog.Love ya,Dad

Reply

Tootie

3/24/2010 02:15:32 am

Hi JakeGreat pictures and the video was awesome. Thanks for sharing with us. You are so kind and thoughtful. Bet Otto really enjoyed his paddle with you. I love his good posture. Sits so straight in all the shots. Enjoy the rest of your time off. Hope you get some time to rest before you are back at it again. So Pa thinks he is better than you, huh? Just kidding Dave

Hey Jake, You are in the latest edition of Wavelength Paddlesport Magazine. Check out page 6.

Nicely done!

Dave

Reply

Alicia

3/24/2010 07:11:12 am

Jake & Otto:

LOVE THE VIDEO !!! thank you for taking me on that journey..I've wanted to go for some time now....

I have had the wonderful opportunity to work side by side with Otto last Summer. Customers asked time and again if he was my son. Proudly I would reply, "it would be my honor to have Otto as a son", Larry he is wonderful but you already know this.:-)